Last year, Andrew and Jane Public took a vacation, bought a much needed new refrigerator, and paid some mounting medical bills all on credit cards. In doing so, they incurred $10,000 of debt that they had intended to pay off over time.

Like many Americans, they only paid the monthly minimum amount due. They may not realize that it may take them 33 years to repay the $10,000 and, they will accumulate as much as $16,000 in interest. The total cost of their debt could reach $26,000!

Earlier this year Jane had to leave work for two months on maternity leave. During this time the couple juggled their bill payments and found themselves falling behind.

As a result, their creditors raised their minimum payments, charged them late fees, and other penalties. Some creditors even raised their interest rates as a penalty for their delinquencies. Now, even though Jane is back to work, they still cannot afford the larger minimum payments. In addition, whatever payments they do send in do not seem to get them anywhere.

SOUND FAMILIAR?

Like Andrew and Jane, millions of Americans carry a substantial balance on their credit cards. A temporary job loss, the birth of a child or illness can send some individuals into an overwhelming cycle of late payments, collection calls, and fees.